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I joined a decluttering challenge and got rid of 496 items in a month. I made a point to not throw anything in the trash.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mesha Griffith, the author of The Bedtime Mantra. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I’m a children’s book author and mom. One day, I looked around the house and said, “We have too much stuff.”

I got the idea to declutter for 30 days and get rid of 496 items from The Minimalists podcast. You have to get rid of one thing on the first day, two on the second day, three on the third, and so on.

We started it in 2021. My husband and I, along with some extended family, would do a group text at the beginning of the year and say, “Here’s what I’m going to get rid of,” and send pictures back and forth to hold each other accountable.

I decided to share the challenge with my Instagram followers. I posted my first decluttering challenge in January 2025, and then I did the second one in December 2025. Someone said I should draw a random number every day for the December challenge, and I had to purge however many items the number said, which turned out to be the perfect way to gamify it — and to hold myself accountable to post consistently on social media.

Even though I had done this before, I had plenty to sort through

All of our stuff was once money, and I just started seeing everything as dollar signs. One day, I added everything up I was getting rid of that day and how much I originally spent on it, and it was $400.

I’m more aware of the things I’m buying and bringing into my house, but even we have clutter. For example, we collect so much paper. I threw away three expired insurance cards. I threw away instruction manuals. You can find the PDFs online.

The comments section became a community

Every day since this went viral with my decluttering videos, I have had people waiting to see what number I’d pull the next day. I didn’t want to let those people down. People even began doing their own challenge alongside me. It was more exciting to me that other people were inspired by my little challenge.

In the beginning, I’d get a lot of comments asking me whether I’d count this or that item, or how many items something like a Tupperware with a lid counted for.

I’d tell them not to focus on that — it counts because it’s causing you anxiety, stress, or agitation.

I was even intentional about how I got rid of stuff

Throwing stuff away was never an option. I had time, energy, and mental capacity to try to find new homes for as much stuff as I could.

I’d resell on Facebook Marketplace, but it would need to go quickly. I didn’t want to have a box of unsold stuff at the end of the month. If it didn’t sell quickly, I’d take it to the thrift store, the free pantry, or other places. For example, I took towels, sheets, and blankets to the Columbus Humane Society, and I took building supplies and working appliances to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.

I don’t think I’ll do any more decluttering challenges for myself this year. I feel like I’ve run out of things to get rid of, but I would love to help either a family member or a friend declutter their home.




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Giannis Antetokounmpo invests in Kalshi, a day after fans traded over $23 million on his NBA future

While most of the sports world is still figuring out how to navigate the prediction market boom, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is going all-in.

The Milwaukee Bucks player announced he’s a shareholder in Kalshi in an X post on Friday.

“The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own,” Antetokounmpo wrote.

Kalshi said Antetokounmpo will partner with the company on marketing, live events, and other activities. Other shareholders include Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Coinbase Ventures.

“I love the Kalshi markets and have been checking them often recently,” Antetokounmpo said in a press release. “I like to win. It’s clear to me Kalshi is going to be a winner, and I’m excited to be getting involved.”

Prediction markets are platforms where online users can buy and sell contracts based on the outcome of various events, including presidential elections, the weather, and even the political future of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. Kalshi and Polymarket have emerged as popular platforms among users, who can make or lose large sums of money on all kinds of events unavailable in traditional gambling venues. The markets can often serve as measures of public opinion.


Screenshot from Kalshi

Kalshi users wagered on Giannis Antetokounmpo.



Kalshi



Some Kalshi users, for instance, got a payday earlier this week by wagering on Antetokounmpo’s future in the NBA.

Ahead of the league’s February 5 trade deadline, users speculated on whether Antetokounmpo would stay with the Milwaukee Bucks or retire from the league. Some also wagered on whether Milwaukee would trade Antetokounmpo to another team.

The contract amassed a trading volume of over $23 million.

Antetokounmpo, who ultimately remained with the Bucks, poked fun at the trade rumors in an X post on Thursday. “Legends don’t chase. They attract,” he wrote.

Following Antetokounmpo’s shareholder announcement, some fans expressed concern that he could be violating the NBA’s gambling policy and bemoaned the league’s recent embrace of sports gambling. The NBA now partners with FanDuel and displays betting odds during live broadcasts.

“A player partnering with a prediction market company? There is no conflict of interests here?” one X user asked.

A 2025 illegal sports gambling scandal involving Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups highlighted the potential for players and coaches to influence games and betting outcomes. A federal investigation into the accusations is ongoing.

Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is prohibited from participating in its prediction markets.

“As an active player in the NBA, Antetokounmpo will be forbidden from trading on markets related to the NBA, per Kalshi’s strict terms of service that ban insider trading and market manipulation,” the company said in a press release.

Some US lawmakers have also raised concerns that prediction markets veer too closely to traditional gambling, which is subject to stricter regulations. In January, a lawmaker introduced a bill to ban government officials from engaging in insider trading in prediction markets.

Kalshi told Business Insider this month that the company has had “dozens of conversations” with lawmakers and is a “regulatory-first company.”




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A longevity researcher changed his routine after visiting an island ‘Blue Zone’ where people live to 100

Steven Austad is a gym fanatic.

As the director of an anti-aging research nonprofit, he’s deeply aware that exercise might be the closest thing we have to a longevity cure-all.

That’s why he puts in about an hour a day on his bike or in the weight room as part of his longevity routine.

“I don’t take any supplements. I don’t even take a multivitamin, but I do spend a lot of time in the gym,” he told Business Insider

But on a recent research trip, Austad met with centenarians who stayed spry with a completely different style of exercise, and it changed how he thinks about working out.

“I met all these hundred-year-olds and talked to them and watched them,” he said. “They get a lot of exercise, but it’s not heavy exercise.”

Here’s what we know about the healthiest kind of movement — and why being a little bit lazy may be the key to a long, healthy life.

The best exercise for longevity

Sardinia, Italy is one of the few places in the world where people regularly live to be 100 (or even older).

Known as Blue Zones, residents in these regions have traditions that scientists suspect are linked to enduring good health. Despite being spread around the globe, from Okinawa, Japan to Nicoya, Costa Rica, Blue Zones tend to share lifestyle habits like staying active, eating simple, mostly veggie-based superfoods, and building strong social communities.

Austad traveled to Sardinia last year while working on a research paper about whether longevity hotspots live up to the hype. He wanted to test the theory that the high number of centenarians in Blue Zones is more about poor record-keeping than any exceptional anti-aging habits.


Dr Steven Austad, a longevity researcher, and a view of the hillside villages of Sardinia, Italy

Longevity researcher Steven Austad visited active centenarians in Sardinia, Italy, who get their exercise on their local hillsides instead of the gym.

Steven Austad/Getty Images — miroslav_1



What he found is that Sardinian elders are legit. Not only did he verify that residents of the island are active and vibrant into their 90s and 100s, but what he saw changed his own approach to healthy living.

Villages in Sardinia are dotted throughout the region’s rugged, mountainous terrain. As a result, people who live there are consistently hiking as part of their day-to-day activities to get around.

Combined with other household chores like gardening, Sardinians tick all the boxes of longevity exercise without ever setting foot in a gym: lots of easy cardio, a bit of high-intensity effort from walking uphill, and muscle-strengthening movements using a full range of motion.

Austad also spoke with a regenerative medicine doctor in the area, who specializes in staving off problems caused by injury or aging.

She told him that her patients are primarily young people who hurt themselves in the gym.

Austad was stunned. All the 90- and 100-year-olds he had met were vibrant and healthy, while the younger generations needed medical care for pushing themselves too hard.

“That’s just remarkable,” Austad said. “It convinced me that you don’t have to be fanatical about this stuff.”

Take it easy for a longer life

Coming back from his Italian excursion, Austad couldn’t help but rethink his own approach to exercise.


a group of family toasting with classes of wine at a dinner outside

Residents of Italy’s longevity hotspot are known for relaxing habits like drinking wine and socializing, along with their active lifestyles.

Connect Images/Zero Creatives/Getty Images



Previously, he liked hit the gym hard, leaning into the addictive rush of endorphins from intense exercise, and was constantly tempted to push for an extra set or more time working out. For him, rest days felt like a distraction.

“The occasional day off, it drives me nuts,” he said. “I’ve got this one bad knee, and if I overdo it with that knee, I pay the price. So that kind of keeps me real, tells me when I’m starting to overdo it.”

Austad still hits the gym regularly, with a mix of cardio and strength training that prioritizes core stability and everyday motions like pulling and pressing.

But since his recent studies on the Blue Zones, he said he’s more likely to give himself a break without stressing about it.

“It makes me feel a little bit less guilty on the days when I decide that I shouldn’t work out,” Austad said.




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I moved to the US when I was 14 and launched my own business in 2020. Now, Kim Kardashian is one of my clients.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Senada Greca, founder of WeRise and cofounder of Aonic. It has been edited for length and clarity.

At least four times a week, I meet with Kim Kardashian for a personal training session. Today, we’re focused on the upper body and core. Over our hour-and-a-half session, we’ll do assisted pull-ups, hollow-body chest presses, face-pulls, and more. Kim likes to end most training sessions with a dead hang on the bar.

I’ve been training Kim for three years now. I also help millions of other people (mostly women) through my training platform WeRise, and the fitness and nutrition videos I post on social media.

Strength training is powerful, especially for women. Once you know the strength your body possesses, you’ll understand how to feel good in your body, rather than feeling like you need to shrink or punish it. I know, because that’s a change I’ve made myself.

Immigrating to the US from Albania at 14 was difficult

I’m the oldest of three girls, born in Albania. After the communist government was overthrown in the early 1990s, there was a lot of civil unrest. I remember the first time we heard gunshots. We hid under the bed, staying down for a long time.

Luckily, my family won the green card lottery (editor’s note: the green card lottery is formally called the Diversity Visa Program), and we were able to immigrate to America in 1997 when I was 14. That helped set up a safer, more prosperous future for my sisters and me.

At the time, it was very challenging. I spoke with a heavy accent and dressed differently from my classmates in upstate New York, which led to a lot of bullying. Since I was the only one in the family who spoke English, I had to help my parents with legal documents, doctors’ appointments, and getting my sisters into school. It was a lot.

I developed an eating disorder that took years to recover from

Everything in my life felt out of control. The one thing I could control was my eating, and not long after immigrating, I developed anorexia. Within a few years, I was also struggling with depression and anxiety. I was exercising, but only to punish my body.

In college, I connected with counseling and medication that helped me start getting healthy. The real turning point came when I was in my mid-20s and met a new primary care doctor. She was in her 50s, but running marathons every quarter. She taught me to think about exercise as a way to support mental health. I started running and became more physically and mentally stable.


personal trainer Senada Greca in a sports bra and shorts holds dumbbell weights in a gym

Courtesy of Senada Greca



About 10 years ago, in my mid-30s, I started strength training. It changed my life, as I started using exercise to nourish myself.

I left my corporate job when I realized I had stability in fitness

In my immigrant family, financial security was always very important. I had a corporate job, and had never considered building something on my own — it just wasn’t done.

I started teaching yoga at night, and loved how my classes made people feel. In 2019, I began posting videos of my workouts, at first for myself. I was extremely consistent, which helped me grow a big following. When the pandemic happened, my following grew exponentially as people looked for workouts they could do at home.


personal trainer Senada Greca in a white sports bra, black suit jacket and black pants

Greca built up her business by getting fitness certifications and training clients, then sharing her own workouts on Instagram.

Courtesy of Senada Greca



In 2020, I launched my website and began charging for memberships. I quickly saw that my fitness business could be stable and successful. That gave me the courage to quit my corporate job to follow my passion. In the years since, my audience has only grown, and I’ve had amazing opportunities, like training Kim.

Today, I’m in the best shape of my life — physically and mentally — at 43. I don’t often talk about my age, because I feel ageless and don’t want to define myself by a number. At the same time, I want to show that getting older doesn’t have to mean winding down.




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Every ‘Wuthering Heights’-inspired outfit Margot Robbie has worn, ranked from worst to best

  • Margot Robbie stars in Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” adaptation.
  • She’s been promoting the film lately while wearing Victorian-inspired fashion.
  • Her best looks have included dramatic dresses and diamond jewelry.

No one method dresses like Margot Robbie.

The 35-year-old actor has mastered the art of embracing the characters she plays at red-carpet events. Remember her “Barbie” press tour in 2023?

She’s at it again this year while promoting her role in Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights,” which will be in theaters on February 13. Robbie has attended interviews, photo calls, and the film’s premiere in stunning Victorian-inspired looks.

Here are the outfits she’s worn so far, ranked from worst to best.

Margot Robbie’s outfit for “The Julia Cunningham Show” didn’t make much sense.

Charli XCX, Margot Robbie, and Jacob Elordi at “The Julia Cunningham Show” on January 28.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

The actor was photographed wearing a sleeveless dress by Mark Gong. It had a white printed bodice, a red satin bralette, and a black mesh overlay.

The outfit’s layered design looked unfinished, and it was a little too understated to be paired with the designer’s leather wrap heels.

Robbie attended the radio interview alongside her costar, Jacob Elordi, and musician Charli XCX, who worked on the film’s music.

She dressed too simply for a press event in London.


Margot Robbie at a

Margot Robbie at a “Wuthering Heights” event in London on February 6.

Kate Green/Getty Images

She wore a black Vivienne Westwood minidress for the Q&A event.

The sleeveless piece had a scooped neckline, a corset top, and a bubbled miniskirt. It was a cute dress, but it ultimately needed some accessories to make it pop.

The actor took a daring fashion approach for a “Wuthering Heights” photo call, but it missed the mark.


Margot Robbie at a 'Wuthering Heights

Margot Robbie at a ‘Wuthering Heights” photo call in London on February 4.

Dave Benett/Getty Images

Robbie attended that event in a vintage John Galliano ensemble. It comprised a dramatic, corseted coat with pink feather embellishments and a black micro miniskirt.

She also wore red thigh-high socks and silver heels.

Though the individual pieces she wore were fun, they weren’t cohesive as an outfit.

Her “Wuthering Heights” street style has been understated, but on theme.


Margot Robbie at the BBC Radio Studios in London on February 4.

Margot Robbie at the BBC Radio Studios in London on February 4.

Neil Mockford/Getty Images

For one London outing, Robbie wore a Dilara Findikoglu ensemble. It featured skinny trousers with buckled straps, a red-and-pink corset top, and pointed leather heels.

She also carried a leather jacket, a purse, and wore oval-shaped sunglasses.

The outfit might not have been the flashiest she wore on the “Wuthering Heights” press tour, but it did blend modern design with Victorian aesthetics perfectly.

Her red-carpet style, on the other hand, has been chic.


Margot Robbie at a

Margot Robbie at a “Wuthering Heights” event in Paris on February 2.

Pierre Mouton/Getty Images

She wore a custom Thom Browne design for a photo event in Paris.

The black gown had off-the-shoulder sleeves, a corseted minidress, and an attached skirt with visible garters. It was pretty, edgy, and accessorized well with a choker necklace.

One small tweak would have taken her French fashion to the next level.


Margot Robbie at a

Margot Robbie at a “Wuthering Heights” event in Paris on February 2.

Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Getty Images

Robbie attended a “Wuthering Heights” photo call in Paris on February 2. She wore Chanel for the occasion.

Her sleeveless gown had a corseted velvet top, with the red fabric extending across its white full skirt and long train. She also wore a velvet choker with a statement diamond weighing over 100 carats.

The latter was designed by Lorraine Schwartz.

The outfit was elegant and on theme, but it would have been nice to see Robbie highlight it further with an updo.

She looked like she stepped out of the Victorian era for a “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” appearance.


Margot Robbie at

Margot Robbie at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on January 26.

Randy Holmes/Getty Images

Styled by Andrew Mukamal, Robbie wore Alexander McQueen for the late-night show.

Her black-lace dress had long sleeves, a high neckline, and a keyhole cutout down its bodice.

She looked stunning, and the outfit set the tone for the “Wuthering Heights” press tour.


Margot Robbie at

Margot Robbie at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on January 26.

PG/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

To complement the see-through piece, Robbie wore black aviator sunglasses, beaded heels, and a long, wavy hairstyle.

She also donned one-of-a-kind earrings from Jessica McCormack. The sparkling jewelry featured large, pear-shaped diamonds that weighed 15 carats combined.

Robbie referenced the 1847 novel with a red corset, and it made for an unforgettable fashion moment.


Margot Robbie at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills on January 28.

Margot Robbie at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills on January 28.

David Jon/Getty Images

For a photo shoot at Greystone Mansion, Robbie wore a red leather set by Turkish designer Dilara Findikoglu.

The snakeskin set featured a corset that highlighted a shell-covered bra, a long-sleeved bolero jacket with laced sleeves, and a micro miniskirt with flared detailing.

On Instagram, her stylist said the look was inspired by a line from the “Wuthering Heights” novel: “I’d rather be hugged by a snake.”

They accessorized the standout look with a Jessica McCormack necklace. It featured a 10-carat, pear-shaped diamond on a red cord.

The actor looked like royalty at the “Wuthering Heights” world premiere.


Margot Robbie at the

Margot Robbie at the “Wuthering Heights” premiere in Los Angeles on January 28.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

She arrived in a Schiaparelli couture gown that might go down as one of the best she’s ever worn.

The strapless design featured a structured, lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline, a black velvet peplum skirt, and a striking red hem that surrounded her like flower petals.

Her historic accessory was equally stunning.


Margot Robbie at the

Margot Robbie at the “Wuthering Heights” premiere in Los Angeles on January 28.

Olivia Wong/Getty Images

Robbie paired the gown with a heart-shaped necklace that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor.

The gold Cartier piece houses the late star’s iconic Taj Mahal diamond, which was gifted to Taylor by her former husband Richard Burton on her 40th birthday.

Vogue reported that the necklace, which also features a jade mount and ruby stones, is inscribed with the phrase “Love is Everlasting” and the name Nur Jahan, who was the jewel’s first owner.

Robbie made a bold statement at the London “Wuthering Heights” premiere.


Margot Robbie at the London

Margot Robbie at the London “Wuthering Heights” premiere on February 5.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images

Dilara Findikoglu created her gown, which was see-through and covered in strands of braided hair. It was entirely unique in design and equally unforgettable.

She also wore a replica of The Bracelet of Charlotte, a mourning jewelry piece belonging to Charlotte Brontë.




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I moved to France after falling in love with it during summer visits. Nothing could’ve prepared me for living here full-time.

I’m originally from the Bahamas, but my love for France began while working there as an English language camp counselor every summer from 2011 to 2014.

Year after year, I fell more in love with the country — and, soon, the seed of a plan to live here began to sprout its roots. In August 2015, I finally packed my bags and made my dream of living in France a reality.

However, no amount of prior experience coming here for short spurts could’ve prepared me for moving to France and actually living there.

I underestimated how tough navigating the language barrier would be


Woman with hands in air smiling on stone path with flowers, building behid her

I wish I’d learned more French before I moved.

Nicole Bedford



Living in a foreign country can be a daunting shock to the system when you don’t speak the native language.

I knew my French being limited to phrases like “hello” and “thank you” would put me at a disadvantage — but I still wasn’t prepared for the frustration I’d feel and the judgment I’d get for being no better than a toddler trying to communicate.

Once I arrived in Rennes, where I’d chosen to move, it became clear to me English was not prevalent, and that I would need to navigate all my administrative procedures with limited French.

To navigate day-to-day transactions, such as opening a bank account, I used Google Translate to create a script. It was challenging, but I managed to get things done.

This experience taught me to never underestimate a language barrier or assume you can rely on English abroad — not even in big cities.

As a word of advice, if you plan to move to France or any country where you do not speak the native tongue, be sure to take classes in that language for six months to a year before you go.

Doing so will help you navigate day-to-day life and ensure a more seamless integration — especially when navigating the paperwork and administrative tasks that come with moving.

The slower pace of life has been nice, but it took me a bit to adjust to shops’ limited hours


Woman smiling at vineyard

It’s been nice getting to relax more often.

Nicole Bedford



Europe is known for having a slower-paced lifestyle than much of North America. However, I still couldn’t believe how relaxed my day-to-day life became after I moved — or how quickly I was able to get used to it.

My first summer living in France without having to work the whole time was the most surprising. During August, entire businesses close for summer holidays and cities feel emptier as locals go on vacation for two or three weeks at a time. It was refreshing.

I’ve grown to really appreciate how the French know how to relax and enjoy life. However, it did take me a little longer to get used to shops here having limited hours.

Businesses like pharmacies, grocery stores, clothing shops, and even private clinics often close before or just after sunset throughout France — even in many major cities.


Woman sipping from mug in front of Le Scoop

I’ve learned to check the hours on a business before I check it out.

Nicole Bedford



A lot of businesses are also closed on Sundays, as it’s meant to be a countrywide day of rest.

This was a bit jarring since I come from a country where many stores are open late for convenience — some are open 24/7, seven days a week.

However, I’ve since learned how to plan accordingly and mark which errands are time-sensitive on my to-do list.

Ultimately, though, this experience reminded me that no amount of research can prepare you for moving to a new country. There will always be surprises around the corner — but, for me, moving here has been worth it.




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This is the only mac and cheese recipe you need for Super Bowl weekend

  • I made the famous mac and cheese recipe by “Next Level Chef” star Tineke “Tini” Younger. 
  • Her mac and cheese has racked up over 100 million views on TikTok. 
  • I loved her twists on the recipe and think this dish is perfect for Super Bowl Sunday. 

It’s not easy for a recipe to take hold on TikTok these days. So rarely does another dalgona coffee or feta pasta come our way.

That changed when “Next Level Chef” star Tineke “Tini” Younger shared her mac and cheese recipe.

Younger originally posted the video for Thanksgiving in November 2023, and the recipe — which seems to rack up more than 100 million views every time it’s shared — became an instant hit.

Tini’s recipe is now a holiday favorite, but I always crave mac and cheese on Super Bowl Sunday.

Here’s how to make it.

Tineke “Tini” Younger’s mac and cheese recipe features twists on the traditional ingredients.

This mac and cheese features sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and colby jack.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

To make Tini’s mac and cheese at home, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound of cavatappi pasta
  • 16 ounces of mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 16 ounces of colby jack cheese, grated
  • 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 12-ounce can of evaporated milk
  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of pepper

First, I cooked my pasta.


Cooking pasta for Tini's mac and cheese

I used cavatappi noodles, per Tini’s recommendation, for my mac and cheese.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

In her TikTok video, Younger said she opts for cavatappi noodles because their shape holds the cheese sauce better than elbow pasta.

“All that cream gets all in the hole, so you bite into the cream and the cheesiness,” she said.

Once my pasta was al dente, I drained the pot and set it aside while I started the sauce.

Then I turned on my oven and began prepping the cheeses.


Grating cheese for Tini's mac and cheese

Grating all the cheeses was definitely a workout.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I preheated the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greased my baking dish (Younger recommends using a 9-inch by 13-inch pan) before I started grating all the cheese.

The recipe includes 2 ½ pounds of cheese, and Younger is adamant that you shred it yourself.

“Do not use pre-shredded cheese at all,” she says in the TikTok.

Next, I tossed all the cheeses together.


Grated cheese for Tini's mac and cheese

My cheese mixture.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

After giving everything a good mix, I divided half of the cheese to use for the sauce.

I also prepped my seasoning mix.


Spice mix for Tini's mac and cheese

The seasoning mix includes garlic powder and smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I threw my garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a small bowl so it’d be ready for the roux.

It was time to get cooking.


Melting butter for Tini's mac and cheese

I melted my butter for the roux.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

First, I melted my butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Once the butter had melted, I added half the seasoning mix.


Adding flour to butter for Tini's mac and cheese

Adding flour and seasoning to the roux.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I started stirring as I added the flour. Younger said you should try to cook out all the flour, so I kept stirring for a few minutes.

I added the can of evaporated milk.


Adding condensed milk to roux for Tini's mac and cheese

I started whisking after adding the evaporated milk.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Younger said you should start whisking right after adding the milk to avoid clumps in your roux. This is also when your sauce should begin to thicken.

I also added the heavy cream and the rest of my seasoning.


Adding heavy cream to roux for Tini's mac and cheese

Adding heavy cream to the sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I slowly began adding all my cheese.


Adding cheese to sauce for Tini's mac and cheese

Adding cheese to the sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Younger said you should let each handful of cheese melt before adding more.

Once all the cheese had melted, I threw in the pasta.


Adding pasta to cheese sauce for Tini's mac and cheese

Adding pasta to the cheese sauce.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I made sure to give the pot a big mix so all the noodles were coated with the delicious-smelling cheese sauce.

Then I began building my mac and cheese pan.


First later of pasta for Tini's mac and cheese

My first layer of noodles.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I added half of my cheesy cavatappi to the pan, spreading the noodles into an even layer.

I added half of my cheese mixture on top, then repeated the steps before throwing my pan into the oven.


Second layer of cheese for Tini's mac and cheese

I added a layer of cheese on top of the noodles, then repeated the steps for four total layers.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I baked my mac and cheese for 25 minutes, until the cheese had melted and began to bubble. Then I threw the pan on broil for two minutes to help give the top a beautiful golden crust.

My mac and cheese got everyone talking at a potluck.


Tini's mac and cheese

Younger’s mac and cheese looked — and tasted — glorious.

Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I made two pans of Younger’s mac and cheese (one with breadcrumbs and one without) for my friend’s NFL playoffs potluck, and it was one of the most popular dishes of the day.

The cavatappi noodles were the perfect vehicle for the thick and creamy cheese sauce, giving each bite an explosion of flavor. I far preferred them to the traditional elbow noodles, and I think Younger’s mac and cheese convinced everyone that cavatappi is the superior shape.

The cheese sauce was rich, indulgent, and delicious, and the Dijon mustard added a nice subtle tang. Our group was split 50/50 on whether the mac and cheese tasted better with breadcrumbs, so just stick to your personal preference.

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl side to steal the spotlight, Younger’s mac and cheese is the ultimate touchdown.




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8 artists who’ve declined the Super Bowl halftime show — and why

Pink’s love of aerial stunts and plethora of bops make her an easy suggestion for the halftime show — in fact, she has performed at the big game, albeit to sing the national anthem in 2018.

However, when the NFL asked her to play the halftime show in 2019, she turned it down.

She told Billboard in 2019 that she was reluctant to play for a couple of reasons. First, “everybody that does it gets so persecuted,” she said.

Then she added that the NFL probably wouldn’t appreciate her support of Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback who famously kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, a move that sparked both support and criticism.

“I’d probably take a knee and get carried out,” Pink said.

“They should only give it, because of the controversy, to African-American or Latina women for a while,” she continued.

Maroon 5 went on to headline the show, joined by Travis Scott and Big Boi.

In 2018, the NFL league banned on-field kneel protests.

In 2020, four years after Kaepernick first kneeled, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized to Black players in the league.

“We the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” he said in a statement. “We the National Football League believe Black lives matter. I personally protest with you, and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.”




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17 of the biggest scandals in Olympic history

The women’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise final was full of drama. Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles was initially awarded a score of 13.666, placing fifth.

Her coach, Cecile Landi, appealed the score based on the routine’s difficulty, and officials re-evaluated it, awarding Chiles a 13.766, bumping her from fifth to third place and allowing her to receive the bronze medal instead of Romania’s Ana Bărbosu.

After the competition, Team Romania filed an inquiry about Team USA’s request to review Chiles’ score, arguing that the challenge wasn’t submitted within the 60-second limit.

On August 10, the Court of Arbitration ruled that Team USA’s appeal was four seconds late and reinstated her original score of 13.666, putting Bărbosu back in third place.

The IOC agreed with the court and released a statement that it is “in touch with the NOC of Romania to discuss the reallocation ceremony and with USOPC regarding the return of the bronze medal.”

USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee released a joint statement defending Chiles and Landi’s original inquiry, writing, “The inquiry into the Difficulty Value of Jordan Chiles’ floor exercise routine was filed in good faith and, we believed, in accordance with FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring.”

USA Gymnastics released an additional statement on X that Landi requested to file the inquiry 47 seconds after the publishing of Chiles’ score, writing, “The time-stamped video evidence submitted by USA Gymnastics Sunday evening shows Landi stated her request to file an inquiry at the inquiry table 47 seconds after the score is posted, followed by a second statement 55 scores after the score was originally posted.”

In January 2026, Switzerland’s federal court said the case would be returned to the Court of Arbitration for further review, in light of new video evidence.




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I’m 81 years old, and I still love going to the gym. It’s helped me stay social and physically healthy.

When our family moved to Oregon from Southern California in 1974 for my husband’s new job, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. But there was one problem: There wasn’t enough sunshine or swimming pools — both of which I had enjoyed in California.

When the community college where I taught offered free memberships at a new gym, I quickly signed up. I expected exercise, but I got so much more.

Over 30 years later, I’m 81, and still going to the gym every other day. It’s still an important part of my health routine.

I found that the gym isn’t just for young people

The weight room is full of young people lifting weights, and they pound their feet on treadmills like the start of the Kentucky Derby.

But the gym is also filled with older people. There’s the 87-year-old woman who runs up and down the stairs “because it feels good,” while her 91-year-old husband maintains a steady pace on the treadmill.

As a swimmer, I’ve met several people around my age, welcoming each other into the pool.

With a somewhat older crowd, I am pleasantly surprised at how disabilities and imperfections are of no consequence in the pool. Surgery scars, including mastectomies and even amputations, are not worthy of the slightest stare or question. The miracle of being in the water is that handicaps and age disappear.


Cynthia Wall and her friends in the pool at her gym

The author says she’s stayed healthy thanks to the pool at her gym.

Courtesy of Cynthia Wall



Even those who enter the pool in a lift achieve equality once they are buoyant. I’ve witnessed physical challenges that make me realize how insignificant my own are.

I was surprised to find deep friendships at the gym

When I first came to the gym to exercise, I didn’t expect to make friends — acquaintances, yes, but not friendships that mattered.

But then I met Maria, an 80-year-old Austrian with an infectious laugh. I heard her in the locker room as she shared a recipe for Wiener Schnitzel with someone. I had seen her in the pool, swimming with her head held high to keep her beautifully coiffed hair dry. I smiled and said goodbye as I left. The next day, I swam alongside her. I switched to a slow breaststroke so I could keep my head out and hear her story — and what a story it was.

A well-to-do Austrian, married to a doctor, she, her husband, and three children were reduced to refugee status under the Russian occupation at the end of World War II. In 1957, they were able to emigrate to the US. Because of their belief in the American Dream, they thrived. Maria often commented on their good fortune; she also taught me European history. She taught me a little German and showed me that laughter is the best antidote for any problem.

Soon, our casual acquaintance became a dear friendship that lasted until her death at 103 in 2022. We spent over 20 years together at the gym, four days a week. I made other friends as well. All of us loved and admired Maria.

I believe moving my body and socializing are keeping me young

Going to the gym multiple times a week has kept me more than young; it’s kept me moving into my 80s.

I have fairly severe scoliosis, and it hurts. Without swimming and core strengthening at the gym, I don’t want to think about how much worse it would be.

Over the years, I’ve learned that going to the gym is the best thing I can do for myself.

I am stronger than yesterday — stronger in my body, stronger in friendships, and stronger in optimism.




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